Delivery box system and control method

Abstract

To provide a home delivery box system for improving convenience to a receiver of a delivery object.SOLUTION: A delivery locker system (100) includes a plurality of delivery lockers (3) each having at least one storage (31) in which a delivery item can be deposited, the plurality of delivery lockers being movable in a hoistway extending over a plurality of floors of a building, a delivery locker controller (113) configured to control each of the plurality of delivery lockers, and at least one operation input unit (41) configured to receive an input of a receiving operation for receiving the delivery item from the storage, wherein when the operation input unit receives the receiving operation, the delivery locker controller moves one of the plurality of delivery lockers to the floor on which the operation input unit has received the receiving operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a delivery box system including a plurality of delivery boxes and a control method for the delivery box system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a delivery box having a plurality of storage rooms capable of storing deliveries for which residents of an apartment house are recipients is installed within the site of the apartment house. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which a delivery box is installed in a shared section of an apartment house.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If it is possible to deposit a delivery in a storage room of a delivery box, even if the recipient of the delivery is absent at the time of delivery, the labor of redelivery by the delivery company can be reduced. However, if the number of storage rooms of the delivery box provided in a building (for example, an apartment house) is insufficient and there is no vacancy in the storage room of the delivery box, redelivery of the delivery becomes necessary. When the need for redelivery of a delivery arises, inconveniences such as a delay in the timing of receiving the delivery and the need to request redelivery occur for the recipient of the delivery.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a delivery box system that improves convenience for recipients of deliveries.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a delivery box system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of delivery boxes having one or more storage compartments into which delivery items can be deposited, and which are movable within an elevator shaft spanning multiple floors of a building; a delivery box control unit that controls each of the plurality of delivery boxes; and one or more operation input units that receive input for a receiving operation to receive the delivery items from the storage compartments. When the operation input unit receives the receiving operation, the delivery box control unit moves one of the plurality of delivery boxes to the floor on which the operation input unit received the receiving operation.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a control method for a delivery box system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a delivery box system executed by one or more computers, comprising: a delivery box control step that controls each of a plurality of delivery boxes having one or more storage compartments capable of depositing delivery items and being movable within an elevator shaft spanning multiple floors of a building; and one or more operation input reception steps that receive input for a receiving operation to receive the delivery items from the storage compartments, wherein in the delivery box control step, if the receiving operation is received in the operation input reception step, one of the plurality of delivery boxes is moved to the floor on which the receiving operation was received in the operation input reception step.

[0008] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by one or more computers. In this case, a control program for the delivery box system, which enables the computer to implement the delivery box system by operating one or more computers as the various parts (software elements) of the delivery box system, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a delivery box system can be provided that can reduce the burden on delivery companies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a delivery box system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the overview of each component of the delivery box system. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the exterior of the entrance / exit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the delivery box arriving at the operating floor and the door in the open position. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an overview of the first control panel. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second control panel. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a storage facility information database. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a password database. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a control panel database. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a comment database. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the delivery box system when a package is deposited for delivery. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the delivery box system when a package is deposited for delivery. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by the delivery box system when a package is deposited for delivery. [Figure 14] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by a delivery box system when a package is received. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow performed by a delivery box system when a package is received. [Figure 16] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the delivery box system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the delivery box system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 18]It is a diagram showing an example of storage information according to Modification 4. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of the first operation panel in the delivery box system according to Modification 5.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 〔Embodiment 1〕 <Overview of Delivery Box System 100> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of each part included in the delivery box system 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the appearance of the entrance / exit P1 (or PX).

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1, the delivery box system 100 includes a delivery box control device 1, a unit control device 2, a delivery box 3, a first operation panel 4 having an operation input unit 41, and a door 5. The delivery box system 100 according to the present embodiment is a system for a deliverer who delivers a delivery item to deposit the delivery item into the delivery box 3 from an entrance / exit P1 (or PX) provided in a building, and for a recipient of the delivery item to receive the deposited delivery item from the delivery box 3. In the following description, when the deliverer and the recipient are not distinguished, they are referred to as "users".

[0013] The delivery box system 100 includes a plurality of delivery boxes 3 each having one or more storage compartments 31 capable of storing delivery items. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of delivery boxes 3 is movable within an elevator shaft Q extending across a plurality of floors of a building. The delivery box system 100 also includes a delivery box control unit 113 that controls each of the plurality of delivery boxes 3, and one or more operation input units 41 that receive an input of a deposit operation for depositing a delivery item into the storage compartment 31 or a receipt operation for receiving a delivery item from the storage compartment 31.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, each of the multiple delivery boxes 3 may be connected at regular intervals to an endless chain that is circulatingly driven within the elevator shaft Q, and may move along the chain. In this case, the movement of one delivery box 3 will cause the other delivery boxes 3 to move in conjunction with it. Alternatively, the operation of each of the multiple delivery boxes 3 may not be linked, and they may move independently within the elevator shaft Q.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, when no operation is being performed, the door 5 is in a closed state. In this state, the user can perform input operations on the first control panel 4 located near the door 5.

[0016] In the delivery box system 100 according to this embodiment, when the operation input unit 41 of the first operation panel 4 receives a deposit operation, the delivery box control unit 113 moves one of the multiple delivery boxes 3 to the floor on which the operation input unit 41 received the deposit operation. In the following description, the floor on which the operation input unit 41 received the deposit operation will be referred to as the "operation floor".

[0017] For example, when the operation input unit 41 receives a deposit operation, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the delivery box 3, which has a storage compartment 31 that does not contain any deliveries, to the operation floor.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the state when the delivery box 3 has arrived at the operating floor and the door 5 is open. In the state shown in Figure 4, the delivery person can deposit the delivery item into the storage box 31. In the following, a storage box 31 that does not contain any delivery items (labeled 31X in Figure 4) will be referred to as an "empty storage box 31".

[0019] Furthermore, in the delivery box system 100 according to this embodiment, when the operation input unit 41 receives a receiving operation, the delivery box control unit 113 moves one of the multiple delivery boxes 3 to the floor on which the operation input unit 41 received the receiving operation. This allows the recipient to receive the delivered item from the storage unit 31.

[0020] For example, if the input unit 41 of the first control panel 4 on the first floor receives a deposit or retrieval operation, the delivery box system 100 moves the delivery box 3 to the entrance P1 on the first floor. Also, if the input unit 41 of the first control panel 4 on the Xth floor receives a deposit or retrieval operation, the delivery box system 100 moves the delivery box 3 to the entrance PX on the Xth floor.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the delivery box system 100 is equipped with multiple delivery boxes 3 that can move within the elevator shaft Q spanning multiple floors of the building. This allows the delivery box system 100 to install multiple delivery boxes 3 by utilizing the space within the elevator shaft Q.

[0022] Furthermore, with the above configuration, by installing multiple delivery boxes 3, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations where there are no available delivery boxes 3 and delivery personnel (delivery personnel, etc.) are unable to deposit their deliveries. This reduces the likelihood of needing to redeliver or request redeliver.

[0023] Furthermore, with the above configuration, one of the delivery boxes 3 moves to the floor where the delivery person inputs the deposit operation, thus reducing the effort required for the delivery person to move to the location where the delivery box 3 is installed. As described above, the delivery box system 100 according to the present invention can reduce the burden on delivery persons.

[0024] Furthermore, with the above configuration, one of the delivery boxes 3 moves to the floor where the recipient inputs the receiving operation, thus reducing the effort required for the recipient to move to the location where the delivery box 3 containing their package is installed. As described above, the delivery box system 100 according to the present invention can improve convenience for recipients.

[0025] Furthermore, the delivery box system 100 can perform processing related to deposit and retrieval operations. Deposit operations refer to the process by which a delivery person deposits a delivery item into the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3. Deposit operations include either the first deposit operation or the second deposit operation. The processing related to the first deposit operation is referred to as the first deposit processing, and the processing related to the second deposit operation is referred to as the second deposit processing.

[0026] In the first deposit process, the first box, which is a delivery box 3 into which the delivery person deposits the delivery, is determined based on the number of storage compartments 31 used to accommodate the delivery. The delivery person deposits the delivery into the storage compartment 31 of the determined first box. In the first deposit process, the system accepts input of delivery information, which is information regarding at least one of the following: the quantity, dimensions, and number of delivery destinations of the delivery to be deposited into the storage compartment 31. In addition, in the first deposit process, one or more first boxes necessary to accommodate all the delivery are selected based on the delivery information and the number of available storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3. Note that the dimensions of the delivery can also be rephrased as the dimensions of the storage compartment 31 into which the delivery is deposited.

[0027] For example, in the first deposit process, if five new deliveries are to be deposited into different storage units 31, the delivery information is entered indicating that there are five storage units 31 to be used. In this case, a first box is selected so that all the deliveries to be deposited can be stored. For example, one delivery box 3 with five or more available storage units 31 is selected as the first box. Alternatively, multiple delivery boxes 3 in combinations that result in five or more available storage units 31 are selected as the first box.

[0028] This allows delivery personnel to deposit packages into fewer delivery boxes 3. Therefore, the delivery box system 100 can reduce the time delivery personnel have to wait for another delivery box 3 to move after depositing one package. In this way, the delivery box system 100 can reduce the burden on delivery personnel by performing the first deposit process.

[0029] In the second deposit process, the first box, which is a delivery box 3 into which the delivery person deposits the delivery item, is determined based on the delivery destination of the delivery item. The delivery person deposits the delivery item into the storage area 31 of the determined first box. In the second deposit process, the system accepts the input of delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of one delivery item, and the first box is selected based on that delivery destination information.

[0030] For example, in the second deposit process, if a delivery to the same destination as the newly deposited delivery is already deposited in one of the delivery boxes 3, the new delivery will be controlled to be deposited in the same delivery box 3 as the already deposited delivery. If the delivery person has multiple deliveries to deposit, the second deposit process may be repeated multiple times.

[0031] According to the second deposit process, the likelihood of packages addressed to the same recipient being deposited into the same delivery box 3 increases. This increases the likelihood that when a recipient receives multiple deposited packages, they can receive them from different storage compartments 31 within the same delivery box 3. Therefore, the delivery box system 100 can reduce the time required for a recipient to wait at another delivery box 3 to receive the next package after receiving a package from one delivery box 3. In this way, the delivery box system 100 can improve convenience for recipients by performing the second deposit process.

[0032] The receiving process is the process by which the recipient of a delivery retrieves their package from the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3. In the receiving process, the recipient inputs recipient information to specify the delivery item, and based on this recipient information and the delivery address information of already deposited delivery items, the second delivery box 3, which is the delivery box 3 where the recipient will receive their package, is determined. For example, the recipient inputs information indicating the delivery address of the package they are expecting to receive as recipient information, and the delivery box 3 containing a package with delivery address information matching this recipient information is selected as the second delivery box. This allows the recipient to receive the package they are expecting.

[0033] <Details of the 100 Delivery Box System> The details of each part of the delivery box system 100 according to this embodiment will be described below. The delivery box system 100 is capable of performing first deposit processing, second deposit processing, and receiving processing.

[0034] In the following explanation, we will use as an example a configuration in which the delivery address of the delivered item is the room number of the recipient of the delivered item. The recipient's room number is a number indicating the room used by the recipient who is to receive the delivered item. For example, if delivery box 3 is installed in an apartment building, the recipient's room number may be the room number of the residence where the recipient lives. Also, for example, if delivery box 3 is installed in an office building, the recipient's room number may be the room number of the room that the recipient primarily uses. In the following explanation, we will use as an example a configuration in which the recipient information entered by the recipient to specify the delivered item is the recipient's room number. Furthermore, in the following explanation, a delivered item with the recipient's room number as the delivery address will be referred to as a delivered item addressed to the recipient, or a delivered item that the recipient is scheduled to receive.

[0035] <1st operation panel 4> Figure 5 shows an example of the overview of the first control panel 4. The first control panel 4 is an operation panel installed near the entrance / exit P1 (or PX). Users can start depositing or receiving packages from the delivery box 3 by operating the first control panel 4. As shown in Figure 1, the first control panel 4 includes an operation input unit 41, a control unit 42, and a display unit 43.

[0036] As an example, in the delivery box system 100, the first control panel 4 having an operation input unit 41 may be provided on each of the multiple floors of the building. The operation input unit 41 can accept a first deposit operation, a second deposit operation, and a retrieval operation. With this configuration, the delivery company and the recipient can perform a deposit operation or a retrieval operation using any of the operation input units 41.

[0037] The operation input unit 41 is an input unit that can receive input operations from users of the delivery box 3. As shown in Figure 5, the operation input unit 41 may have multiple buttons. The operation input unit 41 has buttons for receiving deposit operations. Specifically, the operation input unit 41 has a button (reference numeral 412) for receiving a first deposit start operation, which is an operation to start the first deposit process, and a button (reference numeral 411) for receiving a second deposit start operation, which is an operation to start the second deposit process.

[0038] Furthermore, the operation input unit 41 includes a button (reference numeral 413) for receiving an operation to specify the dimensions of the delivery item or the storage container 31 in which the delivery item will be deposited. The operation input unit 41 also includes a button (reference numeral 414) for receiving delivery destination information or delivery item information. The operation input unit 41 also includes a button (reference numeral 415) for receiving a receiving operation, which is an operation to start the receiving process. The operation input unit 41 may also include a button (reference numeral 416) for receiving a door open instruction and a button (reference numeral 417) for receiving a door close instruction.

[0039] When the operation input unit 41 receives an input operation from the user, it outputs a signal to the control unit 42 indicating the content of the received input operation.

[0040] The display unit 43 is a display capable of displaying a predetermined screen in accordance with instructions from the control unit 42. For example, the display unit 43 displays a comment to notify the user based on instructions received from the control unit 42.

[0041] The control unit 42 transmits information indicating the content of the input operation received by the operation input unit 41 to the delivery box control device 1. The control unit 42 also controls the display of the display unit 43 based on the information received from the delivery box control device 1.

[0042] When depositing items for delivery, the delivery person performs either a first deposit operation or a second deposit operation on the operation input section 41 of the first control panel 4.

[0043] The first deposit operation includes a first deposit start operation, which is an operation to start the deposit of a delivery, and an operation to input delivery information regarding at least one of the quantity, dimensions, and number of delivery destinations of the delivery to be deposited in the storage facility 31. For example, the delivery person performs the first deposit start operation by pressing the button shown by reference numeral 411 in Figure 5, and the operation input unit 41 outputs a signal to the control unit 42 indicating that the operation has been received. The control unit 42 determines whether or not the operation input unit 41 has received the first deposit start operation. If the operation input unit 41 has received the first deposit start operation, the first operation panel 4 displays a comment or the like prompting the input of delivery information on the display unit 43.

[0044] After performing the first deposit start operation, the delivery person inputs delivery information to the operation input unit 41. The delivery information is information regarding at least one of the quantity, dimensions, and number of delivery destinations of the delivery items to be deposited in the storage unit 31, and is information for identifying the number of storage units 31 used for depositing the delivery items.

[0045] For example, if a delivery person plans to deposit five deliveries into different storage units 31, "5" will be entered as the delivery information indicating the quantity of deliveries. Also, if a delivery person plans to deposit five deliveries and these deliveries into a total of three storage units 31, "3" will be entered as the delivery information indicating the number of destinations. In this way, by entering the delivery information, the delivery box system 100 can identify the number of storage units 31 to be used by the delivery person in a series of deposit operations. Hereafter, the number of storage units 31 to be used by the delivery person, identified based on the delivery information, will also be referred to as the "number of storage units 31 to be used."

[0046] When delivery information is input to the operation input unit 41, the control unit 42 transmits first deposit information to the delivery box control device 1. The first deposit information includes the identification information of the first operation panel 4 that received the first deposit operation, and the input delivery information.

[0047] The second deposit operation includes a second deposit start operation, which is an operation to start the deposit of the delivery items, and an operation to input one or more delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of each delivery item. If the operation input unit 41 has not received the first deposit start operation, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the operation input unit 41 has received the second deposit start operation. If the operation input unit 41 has received the second deposit start operation, the control unit 42 displays a comment or the like on the display unit 43 prompting the input of delivery destination information for the delivery items.

[0048] After performing the second deposit start operation, the delivery person inputs the delivery destination information of the item to the operation input unit 41. Once the delivery destination information is input to the operation input unit 41, the control unit 42 transmits the second deposit information to the delivery box control device 1. The second deposit information includes the identification information of the first operation panel 4 that received the second deposit operation and the input delivery destination information of the item.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 42 of the first operation panel 4 determines whether or not it has received a receipt operation. If the operation input unit 41 has received a receipt operation, the control unit 42 displays a screen on the display unit 43 prompting the user to enter recipient information. Once recipient information is entered into the operation input unit 41, the control unit 42 transmits the receipt information to the delivery box control device 1. The receipt information includes the identification information of the first operation panel 4 that received the receipt operation and the entered recipient information.

[0050] After transmitting the first deposit information, second deposit information, or receipt information to the delivery box control device 1, the control unit 42 causes the display unit 43 to display a message prompting the delivery person to wait. For example, the display unit 43 displays a message such as "Please wait a moment."

[0051] When the delivery box control device 1 receives the first deposit information, the second deposit information, or the receiving information, it controls the operation of the delivery box 3 based on the received information. The delivery box control device 1 also determines a comment to be displayed on the first operation panel 4 and transmits comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4. When the control unit 42 of the first operation panel 4 receives the comment information from the delivery box control device 1, it displays the comment included in the comment information on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4.

[0052] When comment information is determined in the delivery box control device 1 based on the first or second deposit information, the comment information includes a comment to be presented to the delivery person depositing the delivery item. For example, the comment information may include a comment encouraging the deposit of the delivery item, such as "You can deposit your package."

[0053] When comment information is determined in the delivery box control device 1 based on the receipt information, the comment information includes a comment to be presented to the recipient receiving the delivery. For example, the comment information may include a comment prompting the recipient to take the delivery, such as "Please take the package out of the box."

[0054] Furthermore, after a delivery is received from the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3, the delivery box control device 1 determines a comment to present to the recipient and transmits comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4. When the control unit 42 of the first operation panel 4 receives the comment information from the delivery box control device 1, it displays the comment included in the comment information on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4.

[0055] For example, if there are no other packages deposited for the recipient who received the package, the control unit 42 displays a message such as "That's all for your package" on the display unit 43. This allows the recipient to understand that there are no other packages they are supposed to receive.

[0056] Furthermore, if other packages addressed to the recipient who received the delivered item are already deposited, and these other packages are in a different delivery box 3 located on the operating floor, the control unit 42 displays a comment such as "There are packages remaining in another unit" on the display unit 43. This allows the recipient to understand that there are other packages they are supposed to receive, and that these packages are in a different delivery box 3 than the one from which they received their previous package.

[0057] Furthermore, if there are other packages addressed to the recipient who received the delivered item, and these packages are stored in the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor, the control unit 42 displays a message such as "There are packages remaining in other boxes" on the display unit 43. This allows the recipient to understand that there are other packages they need to receive, and that these packages are stored in the same delivery box 3 from which they received their previous package.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 42 may not only display the comments included in the comment information on the display unit 43, but may also output them from an audio output device such as a speaker (not shown).

[0059] <Delivery Box 3> The delivery box 3 is a device that allows delivery personnel to deposit packages and for recipients at the delivery destination (for example, residents of the building) to pick up the packages. It is used for so-called contactless delivery. As shown in Figure 1, the delivery box system 100 is equipped with multiple delivery boxes 3.

[0060] Each of the delivery boxes 3 is equipped with at least one storage compartment 31 into which delivered items can be deposited and a second control panel 32, and operates according to the control of the delivery box control device 1.

[0061] The second control panel 32 is an operation panel for receiving operations related to the deposit or receipt of delivered items. As shown in Figure 4, if the delivery box 3 has multiple storage compartments 31, multiple second control panels 32 are provided corresponding to each of the multiple storage compartments 31.

[0062] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second control panel 32. As shown in Figure 6, the second control panel 32 includes an input unit 33 and a display unit 34. The input unit 33 receives input operations from the delivery person or recipient and outputs a signal indicating the content of the received input operation to the unit control device 2. The display unit 34 displays information according to the control of the unit control device 2. The display unit 34 also displays information corresponding to the input operation to the input unit 33. For example, if a user inputs a number using the input unit 33, the display unit 43 may display the input number.

[0063] The input unit 33 of the second control panel 32 receives locking operations by the delivery person and unlocking operations by the recipient. A locking operation is an operation performed by the delivery person after they have finished depositing the delivery item, and includes, for example, the operation of entering the delivery address information of the delivery item and the operation of pressing a button to instruct the locking of the storage unit 31 (the button labeled "Unlock / Lock" in Figure 6). When the input unit 33 receives a locking operation, it transmits information indicating that the locking operation has been received and the entered delivery address information to the unit control device 2.

[0064] An unlocking operation is an operation performed by the recipient to receive the delivered item, and includes, for example, an operation to input authentication information to authenticate the recipient, and an operation to press a button (the button labeled "Unlock / Lock" in Figure 6) to instruct the unlocking of the storage compartment 31. When the input unit 33 receives an unlocking operation, it transmits information indicating that the unlocking operation has been received and the entered authentication information to the unit control device 2.

[0065] <Unit Control Device 2> The unit control device 2 controls the delivery box 3 based on instructions from the delivery box control device 1 or input operations performed on the second operation panel 32. As shown in Figure 1, a unit control device 2 is provided for each of the multiple delivery boxes 3, and each unit control device 2 controls the corresponding delivery box 3.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the unit control device 2 comprises a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores data used in the unit control device 2. The storage unit 22 stores a storage information DB (database) 221 and a password DB (database) 222.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an example of the storage information DB221. The storage information DB221 is a database that stores storage information indicating the usage status of each storage compartment 31 provided by the delivery box 3. As shown in Figure 7, the storage information stored in the storage information DB221 includes information that associates the identification information (UNIT_NO) of the delivery box 3, the registered delivery destination information (ROOM_NO) which is the delivery destination information for each delivery item deposited in the storage compartment 31, and the unique identification information (BOX_NO) for each storage compartment 31 in which the delivery item is deposited. Also, as shown in Figure 7, the storage information DB221 stores storage information for multiple delivery boxes 3. Each storage compartment 31 included in the delivery box system 100 can be uniquely identified by the identification information of the delivery box 3 and the identification information of the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3. Hereinafter, the identification information of the delivery box 3 and the identification information of the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3 will be collectively referred to as "storage compartment 31 identification information". Furthermore, the delivery destination information registered in the storage information DB221 is also referred to as "registered delivery destination information."

[0068] For example, the identification information for delivery box 3 may be a serial number (unit number) set for each delivery box 3. For example, the identification information for storage unit 31 may be a serial number (box number) set for each storage unit 31. Also, as an example, as shown in Figure 7, the delivery destination information may be the room number of the building to which the delivered item is delivered. Note that if there is no delivered item in storage unit 31, the delivery destination information corresponding to the identification information of that storage unit 31, i.e., an empty storage unit 31, will be blank (the delivery destination information will be "-" in Figure 7).

[0069] Figure 8 shows an example of the password database 222. The password database 222 is a database that stores authentication information used to authenticate recipients during the receiving process. As shown in Figure 8, the password database 222 stores authentication information associated with each delivery destination. As shown in Figure 8, the authentication information may be, for example, a number of several digits. Also, the delivery destination may be a room number in a building.

[0070] The control unit 21 controls the delivery box 3 based on information received from the delivery box control device 1 and input operations performed on the second operation panel 32. The control unit 21 also transmits information about the storage box 31 where deposit or retrieval has been completed to the delivery box control device 1.

[0071] When the first box, which is a delivery box 3 used for depositing packages, arrives at the operating floor, the control unit 21 receives information from the delivery box control device 1 indicating that the first box has arrived at the operating floor. Upon receiving this information, the control unit 21 refers to the storage information DB 221, identifies an empty storage box 31, and unlocks the identified empty storage box 31. This allows the delivery person to deposit their package in the empty storage box 31.

[0072] In addition, in the delivery box 3, the empty storage compartments 31 may be unlocked in advance. In this case, the control unit 21 displays a screen on the display unit 34 of the second operation panel 32 corresponding to the empty storage compartment 31 indicating that the storage compartment 31 is an empty storage compartment 31. In this case, the delivery person selects any empty storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3 when they arrive at the operation floor, manually opens the empty storage compartment 31, and deposits the delivery item.

[0073] After depositing the goods to be delivered, the delivery person performs a locking operation on the second control panel 32. For example, the delivery person performs the operation of entering the delivery destination of the goods into the input section 33 of the second control panel 32 shown in Figure 6, and pressing the button labeled "Lock / Unlock". When the control unit 21 receives information from the second control panel 32 indicating that a locking operation has been received, it locks the storage compartment 31 corresponding to the second control panel 32 that received the locking operation. The control unit 21 also stores the delivery destination information of the goods in association with the identification information of the storage compartment 31 that was locked based on the locking operation in the storage compartment information DB 221.

[0074] When the control unit 21 locks the storage compartment 31, it transmits a lock signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating that the storage compartment 31 has been locked. Along with the lock signal, the control unit 21 also transmits to the delivery box control device 1 the identification information of the locked storage compartment 31, i.e., the storage compartment 31 into which the delivery item has been deposited, and the delivery destination information of the deposited delivery item. As a result, the delivery box control device 1 updates the storage compartment information DB 121.

[0075] Meanwhile, when the second box, which is a delivery box 3 used for receiving packages, arrives at the operating floor, the recipient performs an unlocking operation on the second control panel 32 located in the storage area 31 where the package they are to receive is stored.

[0076] For example, the recipient performs the following operations on the input section 33 of the second control panel 32 shown in Figure 6: entering authentication information corresponding to the delivery destination of the delivered item, such as the recipient's room number, such as a password, and pressing the button labeled "Lock / Unlock". When the control unit 21 receives information from the second control panel 32 indicating that an unlocking operation has been received, it refers to the password DB 222 and identifies the authentication information associated with the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the second control panel 32 that received the unlocking operation.

[0077] The control unit 21 refers to the storage information DB 221 and identifies the delivery destination information corresponding to the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the second operation panel 32 that received the unlocking operation. The control unit 21 also refers to the password DB 222 and identifies the registered authentication information corresponding to the identified delivery destination information. For example, as shown in Figure 7, in the storage information DB 221, storage unit 31 with unit number "A" and box number "5" has "101" stored as the room number of the delivery destination. Also, as shown in Figure 8, in the password DB 222, the room number "101" is associated with the number "1860" as registered authentication information. Therefore, when the second operation panel 32 installed in storage unit 31 with unit number "A" and box number "5" receives an unlocking operation, the control unit 21 identifies the registered authentication information "1860".

[0078] The control unit 21 determines whether the authentication information entered during the unlocking operation matches the identified registered authentication information. In other words, the control unit 21 determines whether the recipient entered the correct authentication information.

[0079] If the entered authentication information does not match the registered authentication information, that is, if incorrect authentication information is entered, the control unit 21 will display a comment indicating that the entered authentication information is incorrect on the display unit 34 of the second operation panel 32. For example, the control unit 21 will display a comment such as "Incorrect password" or "ERROR" on the display unit 34 and announce the comment on the second operation panel 32.

[0080] On the other hand, if the entered authentication information matches the registered authentication information, the control unit 21 unlocks the storage compartment 31 corresponding to the second operation panel 32 that received the unlocking operation. This allows the recipient to receive the delivered item from the storage compartment 31.

[0081] When the control unit 21 unlocks the storage compartment 31, it transmits an unlocking signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating that the storage compartment 31 has been unlocked. Along with the unlocking signal, the control unit 21 also transmits to the delivery box control device 1 the identification information of the unlocked storage compartment 31, i.e., the storage compartment 31 where the delivery item will be received, and the delivery destination information of the delivery item to be received. As a result, the delivery box control device 1 updates the storage compartment information DB 121.

[0082] <Delivery box control device 1> The delivery box control device 1 is a device that controls the delivery box 3 based on input operations performed on the first control panel 4 or information received from the unit control device 2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 1, the delivery box control device comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and an input / output interface 13. The input / output interface 13 is a communication module for exchanging information between the delivery box control device 1 and each device of the delivery box system 100.

[0084] The memory unit 12 stores the storage information DB 121, the control panel DB (database) 122, and the comment DB (database) 123. The storage information DB 121 is the same database as the storage information DB 221 stored by the unit control device 2, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0085] Figure 9 shows an example of the control panel DB122. The control panel DB122 is a database for identifying the floor on which the first control panel 4, which has been operated by a user, is located. As shown in Figure 9, in the control panel DB122, the identification information of the first control panel 4 and the floor on which the first control panel 4 is located are associated for each first control panel 4.

[0086] Figure 10 shows an example of the comment database 123. The comment database 123 is a database for identifying comments to be displayed on the first control panel 4. As shown in Figure 10, the comment database 123 associates comment identification information with the text of the comment corresponding to the identification information.

[0087] The control unit 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a storage information management unit 112, and a delivery box control unit 113.

[0088] (Acquisition part 111) The acquisition unit 111 acquires information indicating the content of the input operation received by the first control panel 4.

[0089] The acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has received the first deposit information from the first control panel 4. The first deposit information includes the identification information of the first control panel 4 that received the first deposit operation and the input delivery item information. If the acquisition unit 111 has received the first deposit information, it stores the received second deposit information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the first deposit information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0090] Furthermore, if the acquisition unit 111 has not received the first deposit information from the first operation panel 4, it determines whether or not it has received the second deposit information. The second deposit information includes the identification information of the first operation panel 4 that received the second deposit operation and the delivery destination information of the entered delivery item. If the acquisition unit 111 receives the second deposit information, it stores the received second deposit information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the second deposit information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0091] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not it has received receipt information from the first control panel 4. The receipt information includes the identification information of the first control panel 4 that received the receipt operation and the input recipient information. If the acquisition unit 111 receives receipt information, it stores the received receipt information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the receipt information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0092] (Detention Center Information Management Department 112) The storage information management unit 112 manages the storage information DB 121. For example, the storage information management unit 112 acquires information indicating the content of input operations received by the second control panel 32, such as deposit operations, and updates the storage information stored in the storage information DB 121 based on the acquired information.

[0093] When a delivery is deposited in storage unit 31 and a locking operation is performed on the second control panel 32, the storage unit information management unit 112 receives a locking signal from the unit control device 2. Upon receiving the locking signal from the second control panel 32, the storage unit information management unit 112 identifies the storage unit 31 into which the delivery was deposited based on the identification information of storage unit 31 received along with the locking signal. The storage unit information management unit 112 registers the received delivery destination information in the storage unit information DB 121, associating it with the identification information of the identified storage unit 31, and updates the storage unit information DB 121. After registering the delivery destination information in the storage unit information DB 121, the storage unit information management unit 112 deletes the information related to the delivery corresponding to the registered delivery destination information from the first or second deposit information stored in the temporary storage area. Once the update of the storage unit information DB 121 is complete, the storage unit information management unit 112 outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the storage unit information DB 121 has been updated.

[0094] When an unlocking operation is performed on the second control panel 32 and the recipient's authentication is successful, the storage information management unit 112 receives an unlocking signal from the unit control device 2. Upon receiving the unlocking signal from the unit control device 2, the storage information management unit 112 identifies the storage unit 31 to which the delivery was received based on the identification information of the storage unit 31 received along with the unlocking signal. The storage information management unit 112 deletes the delivery destination information associated with the identification information of the identified storage unit 31 in the storage information DB 121 and updates the storage information DB 121. Furthermore, once the update of the storage information DB 121 is complete, the storage information management unit 112 outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the storage information DB 121 has been updated.

[0095] (Delivery box control unit 113) The delivery box control unit 113 performs control related to the delivery box 3.

[0096] The delivery box control unit 113 selects a first box, which is at least one delivery box 3 into which the delivery person will deposit the delivery item, based on the first deposit information. When the operation input unit 41 receives a deposit operation, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a delivery box 3 with at least one empty storage space 31 from among multiple delivery boxes 3 as the first box, based on the storage information stored in the storage information DB 121.

[0097] When a first deposit operation is performed on the first control panel 4, the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 receives the first deposit information and stores it in the storage unit 12. The acquisition unit 111 also outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the first deposit information has been received. Upon receiving this information, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the storage information DB 121 in the storage unit 12 and identifies the number of available storage spaces 31 in each of the multiple delivery boxes 3. The delivery box control unit 113 also acquires the delivery item information contained in the first deposit information. Based on the number of available storage spaces 31 and the number of storage spaces 31 to be used identified based on the delivery item information, the delivery box control unit 113 selects one or more first boxes necessary to deposit all the delivery items.

[0098] Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 with the most available storage compartments 31 as the first box. If the number of available storage compartments 31 in the delivery box 3 with the most available storage compartments 31 is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 selects only that delivery box 3 as the first box.

[0099] If the number of available storage spaces 31 in the delivery box 3 with the most available storage spaces 31 is less than the number of storage spaces 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 identifies the delivery box 3 with the next most available storage spaces 31. If the sum of the number of available storage spaces 31 in the delivery box 3 with the most available storage spaces 31 and the delivery box 3 with the second most available storage spaces 31 is equal to or greater than the number of storage spaces 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 selects these two delivery boxes 3 as the first box.

[0100] If the total number of available storage compartments 31 in the two delivery boxes 3 is less than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 repeats the same process until the total number of available storage compartments 31 in the delivery boxes 3 is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used.

[0101] As described above, the delivery box control unit 113 selects one delivery box 3, or a combination of multiple delivery boxes 3, as the first box, such that the total number of available storage boxes 31 is equal to or greater than the number of storage boxes 31 to be used.

[0102] If the delivery information only contains information indicating the dimensions of the delivery item or storage unit 31, the delivery box control unit 113 selects the first box by setting the number of storage units 31 to be used to 1. In this case, the delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 with the most available storage units 31 of the specified dimensions as the first box. Alternatively, if the delivery information contains information indicating the dimensions of the delivery item or storage unit 31 and information indicating the number of storage units 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 selects at least one delivery box 3 such that the total number of available storage units 31 of the specified dimensions is equal to or greater than the specified number as the first box.

[0103] For example, if the input operation is performed on the first control panel 4 shown in Figure 5, and the "S" button among the buttons for specifying the dimensions of the storage compartment 31 shown by reference numeral 413 is pressed, the delivery information will include information indicating "S" as the dimensions of the storage compartment 31. In this case, the delivery box control unit 113 selects as the first box one of the delivery boxes 3 that have the largest number of available S-sized storage compartments 31 among the delivery boxes 3 that have S-sized storage compartments 31.

[0104] Furthermore, when the "S" and "5" buttons are pressed on the first control panel 4 shown in Figure 5, the delivery information includes information indicating "S" as the dimension of the storage unit 31, and information indicating "5" as the number of available storage units 31 to be used. In this case, the delivery box control unit 113 selects at least one delivery box 3 as the first box, such that the total number of available storage units 31 of size S is 5 or more.

[0105] Furthermore, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a first box, which is at least one delivery box 3 into which the delivery person will deposit the delivery item, based on the second deposit information. For example, when the operation input unit 41 receives a second deposit operation, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a first box from among multiple delivery boxes 3 based on the determination result of whether the registered delivery destination information that matches the delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of the delivery item is included in the storage information.

[0106] When a second deposit operation is performed on the first control panel 4, the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 receives the second deposit information and stores it in the storage unit 12. The acquisition unit 111 also outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the second deposit information has been received. Upon acquiring this information, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the storage information DB 121 in the storage unit 12 and determines whether there is storage information in the storage information DB 121 that matches the registered delivery destination information stored in the storage information DB 121 with the newly received delivery destination information. If there is storage information in the storage information DB 121 that matches the registered delivery destination information with the newly received delivery destination information, it means that a delivery item with the same delivery destination as the newly deposited delivery item has already been deposited.

[0107] In the storage information DB121, if there is storage information that matches the registered delivery destination information with the newly received delivery destination information, the delivery box control unit 113 obtains the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the registered delivery destination information that matches the newly received delivery destination information. The delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 having the storage unit 31 identified by the acquired identification information as the first box. In other words, if the storage information contains registered delivery destination information that matches the delivery destination information, the delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 having the storage unit 31 identified by the identification information associated with the registered delivery destination information as the first box.

[0108] Furthermore, if there are multiple registered delivery address entries that match the newly received delivery address information, the delivery box control unit 113 selects all delivery boxes 3 having storage compartments 31 identified by the corresponding identification information of the multiple registered delivery address entries as the first box.

[0109] According to the above configuration, if a delivery item has already been deposited with the same destination, the delivery person will deposit the item in the same delivery box 3 as the already deposited item. This allows the recipient to receive multiple deliveries from the first box all at once.

[0110] Furthermore, if there is no storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information, in other words, if the storage information does not contain any registered delivery address information that matches the delivery address information, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a delivery box 3 having at least one empty storage space 31 as the first box.

[0111] According to the above configuration, if there are no other deliveries to the same destination as a given delivery item, the delivery company can deposit the delivery item into one of the delivery boxes 3 that have available storage spaces. The recipient can then retrieve the delivery item from the delivery box 3 where the delivery company has deposited it.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above case, if there are multiple delivery boxes 3 with empty storage compartments 31, the delivery box control unit 113 identifies the number of empty storage compartments 31 in each of the multiple delivery boxes 3 and selects the delivery box 3 with the most empty storage compartments 31 as the first box.

[0113] According to the above configuration, when one delivery company deposits a package and another delivery company deposits a package for the same destination, the likelihood of an empty storage space 31 being available in the same delivery box 3 increases. This increases the likelihood that a recipient can receive all of their packages from a single first delivery box.

[0114] When the delivery box control unit 113 selects the first box, it identifies the floor (operation floor) where the first control panel 4 that received the first or second deposit operation is located. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the control panel DB 122 and identifies identification information that matches the identification information of the first control panel 4 included in the first deposit information or second deposit information. Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 113 identifies the floor associated with the identified identification information, i.e., the floor where the first control panel 4 is located, as the operation floor.

[0115] The delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected first box to the operating floor. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 sends a signal to the unit control device 2 that controls the selected first box, instructing it to move the delivery box 3 to the operating floor. As a result, the unit control device 2 that controls the first box moves the first box to the operating floor. If multiple delivery boxes 3 are selected as the first box, the delivery box control unit 113 moves one of the multiple delivery boxes 3 selected as the first box, for example, the delivery box 3 with the shortest travel time, to the operating floor.

[0116] According to the above configuration, when the delivery box system 100 receives a deposit operation to deposit a delivery item into the delivery box 3, it moves one or more first boxes, each having at least one empty storage compartment 31, from among the multiple delivery boxes 3 to the operation floor. This allows delivery personnel to reliably deposit their deliveries into the first box, thereby improving the convenience of the delivery box 3 for delivery companies.

[0117] When the first box arrives at the operating floor, the delivery box control unit 113 receives a signal from the unit control device 2 indicating that the first box has arrived. Upon receiving this signal, the delivery box control unit 113 opens the door 5 on the operating floor.

[0118] Next, the delivery box control unit 113 determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4, and transmits comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4 that received the deposit operation. For example, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the comment DB 123 and determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 that prompts the delivery person to deposit the delivery item (the comment corresponding to "MSG2" in Figure 10). The delivery box control unit 113 transmits the comment information to the first operation panel 4, and when the comment is displayed on the first operation panel 4, the delivery person can understand that they can deposit the delivery item into the delivery box 3.

[0119] After the delivery person has placed the delivery items in the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3, and the locking operation is performed, the storage compartment information management unit 112 updates the storage compartment information DB 121. The delivery box control unit 113 also obtains information from the storage compartment information management unit 112 indicating that the storage compartment information DB 121 has been updated. Upon obtaining this information, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether all the delivery items that the delivery person intended to deposit have been deposited, based on whether the first deposit information or the second deposit information is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0120] For example, if the first deposit information is stored in the memory unit 12, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that there are still deliveries that have not been deposited. Specifically, if the number of storage units 31 entered as delivery information in the first deposit process is 5, and the number of storage units 31 that have been deposited since the second deposit start operation was performed is 1, then there are still deliveries that the delivery person plans to deposit. In this case, the number of remaining storage units 31 to be used is 4, and the memory unit 12 has the first deposit information stored for deliveries that are to be stored in 4 storage units 31. In such a case, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that none of the deliveries that the delivery person plans to deposit have been deposited.

[0121] Furthermore, if the first deposit information is not stored in the memory unit 12, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries have been deposited. Specifically, if the number of storage units 31 entered as delivery information in the first deposit process is 5, and the number of storage units 31 that have been deposited since the first deposit start operation was performed is 5, then there are no deliveries left for the delivery person to deposit. In this case, the number of remaining storage units 31 to be used is 0, and the first deposit information is not stored in the memory unit 12. In such a case, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries that the delivery person intended to deposit have been deposited.

[0122] If the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries have been deposited, it terminates the process. This completes the first deposit process in the delivery box system 100.

[0123] On the other hand, if it is determined that not all deliveries have been deposited, that is, if there are still deliveries that have not been deposited, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3 based on whether or not there is an empty storage space 31 remaining in the first box used in the most recent deposit, i.e., the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor.

[0124] If there is an empty storage compartment 31 in the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the delivery person can deposit the next delivery item into the first box located on the operation floor. Therefore, if there is an empty storage compartment 31 in the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3. If it is determined that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3, the delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information to the first control panel 4, which includes a comment indicating that it is possible to deposit a delivery item. As a result, the delivery person is aware that they can deposit a delivery item into the delivery box 3 currently located on the operation floor and can proceed with the deposit.

[0125] On the other hand, if there are no empty storage compartments 31 remaining in the first box located on the operating floor, the next delivery cannot be placed in that first box. Therefore, the delivery box system 100 needs to allow the delivery person to use delivery box 3 as the next first box. Accordingly, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is necessary to move delivery box 3 if there are no empty storage compartments 31 remaining in delivery box 3 located on the operating floor.

[0126] If the delivery box 3 needs to be moved, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected first box that has not yet been moved to the operating floor to the operating floor. When the new first box arrives at the operating floor, the delivery box control unit 113 sends comment information, including a comment prompting the delivery person to deposit the package, to the first control panel 4. This allows the delivery person to know that they can deposit the next package into the newly arrived delivery box 3 and to perform the deposit operation.

[0127] The delivery box control unit 113 selects the first box such that the total number of available storage compartments 31 is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 that the delivery person intends to use. Furthermore, if one of the first boxes runs out of available storage compartments 31, another first box is moved to the operating floor, and the delivery person deposits their items into the newly moved first box. In this way, by sequentially moving the first boxes selected by the delivery box control unit 113 for use by the delivery person, the delivery person can deposit all of their intended items into the first box.

[0128] In the second deposit process, only one delivery item can be deposited per transaction. Therefore, once the deposit for one delivery item is complete and the delivery address information is registered, all second deposit information stored in the memory unit 12 is deleted. Consequently, if the storage information management unit 112 receives information indicating that the storage information DB 121 has been updated during the second deposit process, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all delivery items have been deposited and terminates the process.

[0129] As described above, the delivery box system 100 can have delivery personnel deposit all deliveries into the delivery box 3, register the delivery destination information of the deposited deliveries, and update the storage box information.

[0130] The delivery box control unit 113 selects a second box, which is at least one delivery box 3, to allow the recipient to receive the delivery, based on the receipt information. When the operation input unit 41 receives a receipt operation, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a second box, which is one or more delivery boxes 3, from among multiple delivery boxes 3, that have at least one storage compartment 31 containing the delivery item to be received by the recipient who performed the receipt operation, based on the storage compartment information.

[0131] When a receiving operation is performed on the first control panel 4, the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 receives the receiving information and stores it in the storage unit 12. The acquisition unit 111 also outputs information indicating that the receiving information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113. Upon receiving this information, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether there is storage information that matches the registered delivery destination information with the newly received delivery destination information. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the storage information DB 121 and determines whether there is storage information stored in the storage information DB 121 that matches the registered delivery destination information with the recipient information. The presence of storage information DB 121 that matches the registered delivery destination information with the recipient information means that a delivery addressed to the recipient whose recipient information was entered has been deposited.

[0132] If there is storage information in the storage information DB121 that matches the registered delivery destination information and the recipient information, the delivery box control unit 113 obtains the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the registered delivery destination information that matches the recipient information. The delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 having the storage unit 31 identified by the obtained identification information as the second box. If there are multiple registered delivery destination information that matches the recipient information, the delivery box control unit 113 selects all of the delivery boxes 3 having storage units 31 identified by the identification information corresponding to the multiple registered delivery destination information as the second box.

[0133] On the other hand, if there is no storage location information that matches the registered delivery address information and recipient information, the delivery box control unit 113 displays a comment on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4 indicating that no delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited. If there is no storage location information that matches the registered delivery address information and recipient information, it means that no delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited, or the recipient has entered incorrect recipient information.

[0134] In this case, the delivery box control unit 113 determines the comment to be displayed on the first operation panel 4. From the comments stored in the comment DB123, a comment indicating that no package addressed to the recipient has been deposited is selected, and the comment information containing this comment is sent to the first control panel 4, which received the receiving operation. Upon receiving the comment information, the first control panel 4 displays the comment contained in the received comment information. For example, the first control panel 4 displays a comment such as "No package has been deposited" on the display unit 43. This allows the recipient to understand whether their package has not been deposited or whether they entered incorrect recipient information.

[0135] When the delivery box control unit 113 selects the second box, it identifies the floor (operation floor) where the first control panel 4 that received the delivery operation is located. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the control panel DB 122 and identifies identification information that matches the identification information of the first control panel 4 included in the delivery information. Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 113 identifies the floor associated with the identified identification information, i.e., the floor where the first control panel 4 is located, as the operation floor.

[0136] The delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected second box to the operating floor. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 sends a signal to the unit control device 2 that controls the selected second box, instructing it to move the delivery box 3 to the operating floor. As a result, the unit control device 2 that controls the second box moves the second box to the operating floor. If multiple delivery boxes 3 are selected as the second box, the delivery box control unit 113 moves one of the multiple delivery boxes 3 selected as the second box, for example, the delivery box 3 with the shortest travel time, to the operating floor.

[0137] According to the above configuration, when a pickup operation is received, the delivery box system 100 moves one or more second boxes from the multiple delivery boxes 3, each having at least one storage compartment 31 containing the package to be received by the recipient who performed the pickup operation, to the operation floor. This allows the recipient to receive the package from the second box without having to move between floors. Thus, the convenience of the delivery box 3 for the recipient can be improved.

[0138] Furthermore, if there are multiple second boxes, the delivery box control unit 113 sequentially moves all second boxes to the operating floor. With this configuration, even if the same delivery item is stored in multiple delivery boxes, the recipient can retrieve the item from the storage compartments 31 of all second delivery boxes simply by entering the delivery address (room number).

[0139] When the second box arrives at the operating floor, the delivery box control unit 113 receives a signal from the unit control device 2 indicating that the second box has arrived. Upon receiving this signal, the delivery box control unit 113 opens the door 5 on the operating floor.

[0140] Next, the delivery box control unit 113 determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4, and transmits comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4 that received the receiving operation. For example, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the comment DB 123 and determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 that prompts the recipient to receive the delivered item (the comment corresponding to "MSG1" in Figure 10). The delivery box control unit 113 transmits the comment information to the first operation panel 4, and when the comment is displayed on the first operation panel 4, the recipient can understand that the delivered item can be received from the delivery box 3.

[0141] After the delivery person places the delivery item in the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3, the recipient performs an unlocking operation. Upon successful authentication of the recipient, the storage compartment information management unit 112 receives an unlocking signal from the unit control device 2, and the storage compartment information DB 121 is updated. The delivery box control unit 113 also obtains information from the storage compartment information management unit 112 indicating that the storage compartment information DB 121 has been updated. Upon obtaining this information, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether all the delivery items that the recipient was expecting have been received. The delivery box control unit 113 determines whether all the delivery items that the recipient was expecting have been received based on whether registered delivery destination information matching the recipient information is stored in the storage compartment information DB 121.

[0142] For example, if registered delivery address information matching the recipient information is stored in the storage information DB121, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that there are still deliveries that the recipient is scheduled to receive but have not yet received. Specifically, if, in the receiving process, the number of storage units 31 containing deliveries addressed to the recipient, identified based on the recipient information, is 5, and the number of storage units 31 for which receiving has been completed since the receiving operation was performed is 1, then there are still deliveries that the recipient is scheduled to receive. In this case, the number of storage units 31 containing deliveries addressed to the recipient is 4, and the storage information DB121 associates registered delivery address information matching the recipient information with the identification information of each of the 4 storage units 31. In such a case, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that there are still deliveries that the recipient is scheduled to receive.

[0143] Furthermore, if no registered delivery address information matching the recipient information is stored in the storage information DB121, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries addressed to the recipient have been received. Specifically, if, in the receiving process, the number of storage units 31 containing deliveries addressed to the recipient, identified based on the recipient information, is 5, and the number of storage units 31 for which receiving has been completed since the receiving operation was performed is 5, then there are no deliveries remaining that the recipient was scheduled to receive. In this case, the number of storage units 31 containing deliveries addressed to the recipient is 0, and the storage information DB121 does not store any registered delivery address information matching the recipient information. In such a case, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries that the recipient was scheduled to receive have been received.

[0144] If the delivery box control unit 113 determines that all deliveries addressed to the recipient have been received, it terminates its processing. This completes the receiving process in the delivery box system 100.

[0145] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are still packages that have not been received by the recipient, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3. Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3 based on whether or not there are packages addressed to the recipient remaining in the second box used in the most recent delivery, that is, in the storage compartment 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor.

[0146] If a delivery addressed to a recipient remains in one of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the recipient can receive their next delivery from the second box located on the operation floor. Therefore, if a delivery addressed to a recipient remains in one of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3. If it is determined that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3, the delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information to the first control panel 4, including a comment indicating that it is possible to receive a delivery from the second box located on the operation floor. Here, the delivery box control unit 113 displays a comment on the first control panel 4 indicating that a delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited in a storage compartment 31 different from the storage compartment 31 from which the recipient received their delivery in the second box located on the operation floor. This allows the recipient to understand that another delivery has been deposited in a storage compartment 31 different from the storage compartment 31 from which they received their delivery in the delivery box 3 currently located on the operation floor, and to perform the authentication operation.

[0147] On the other hand, if there are no packages addressed to the recipient in any of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor, the recipient cannot receive the next package from that second box. Therefore, the delivery box system 100 needs to allow the recipient to use delivery box 3 as the next second box. Accordingly, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is necessary to move delivery box 3 if there are no packages addressed to the recipient in any of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor.

[0148] If the delivery box 3 needs to be moved, the delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information to the first control panel 4, including a comment indicating that the delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited in a different delivery box 3 than the one located on the operating floor. This allows the recipient to understand that they still have a delivery addressed to them and that the delivery has been deposited in a different delivery box 3.

[0149] Furthermore, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected second delivery box 3 that has not yet been moved to the operating floor to the operating floor. When the new second delivery box arrives at the operating floor, the delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information, including a comment prompting the recipient to accept the delivery, to the first control panel 4. This allows the recipient to understand that they can receive their next delivery from the newly arrived delivery box 3 and to perform the authentication operation.

[0150] The delivery box control unit 113 selects all delivery boxes 3, each containing a storage compartment 31 where packages addressed to the recipient are stored, as second boxes. When all packages addressed to the recipient have been received in one second box, another second box is moved to the operating floor, and the recipient receives their packages from the newly moved second box. In this way, by sequentially moving the second boxes selected by the delivery box control unit 113 to the recipient for use, the recipient can receive all packages addressed to them.

[0151] As described above, the delivery box system 100 can have the recipient receive all deliveries from the delivery box 3, delete the delivery address information of the received deliveries, and update the storage information.

[0152] Furthermore, recipients can also use the delivery box system 100 to check whether or not their package has been deposited. For example, when a recipient performs a delivery operation and inputs recipient information on the first control panel 4 on any floor, the delivery box system 100 determines whether or not a package addressed to that recipient has been deposited.

[0153] If no package addressed to the recipient has been deposited, a message indicating that no package addressed to the recipient has been deposited will be displayed on the first control panel 4. If a package addressed to the recipient has been deposited, the delivery box 3 containing the package will be moved to the control floor. A message indicating that the package addressed to the recipient is available for pickup will also be displayed on the first control panel 4.

[0154] In this way, the recipient can check whether or not a package addressed to them has been deposited by performing a receiving operation, and if the package has been deposited, they can retrieve the package from the delivery box 3 upon arrival.

[0155] <Processing flow of the delivery box system 100> The following describes the processing flow performed by the delivery box system 100 using Figures 11 to 15. Note that the processing performed by the delivery box system 100 is executed by one or more computers. Figures 11 to 13 are flowcharts and sequence diagrams showing an example of the processing flow performed by the delivery box system 100 when a delivery item is deposited. Figures 14 to 15 are flowcharts and sequence diagrams showing an example of the processing flow performed by the delivery box system 100 when a delivery item is received.

[0156] (Processing upon deposit of delivery items) First, using Figures 11 and 12, we will explain the processing flow performed by the delivery box system 100 when a delivery item is deposited.

[0157] When depositing items for delivery, the delivery person performs either a first deposit start operation or a second deposit start operation on the operation input section 41 of the first operation panel 4. As shown in Figure 11, the first operation panel 4 determines whether or not it has received the first deposit start operation (S1).

[0158] When the first control panel 4 receives the first deposit start operation (YES in S1: operation input acceptance step), the first control panel 4 displays a screen on the display unit 43 prompting the user to input delivery information. As a result, the delivery person inputs the delivery information to the operation input unit 41 after performing the first deposit start operation. The control unit 42 waits for the delivery information to be entered (until YES in S2) before processing.

[0159] When delivery information is entered into the first control panel 4 (YES in S2: operation input acceptance step), the first control panel 4 transmits first deposit information, which includes the identification information of the first control panel 4 that received the first deposit start operation and the entered delivery information, to the delivery box control device 1 (S3).

[0160] On the other hand, if the first control panel 4 has not accepted the first deposit start operation (NO in S1), the first control panel 4 determines whether or not it has accepted the second deposit start operation (S4). If NO in S4, the process returns to S1.

[0161] When the first control panel 4 receives the second deposit start operation (YES in S4: operation input acceptance step), the first control panel 4 displays a screen on the display unit 43 prompting the user to enter the delivery address information for the delivered items. As a result, the delivery person enters the delivery address information for the delivered items into the operation input unit 41 after performing the second deposit start operation. The first control panel 4 waits for processing until the delivery address information is entered (until YES in S5).

[0162] When delivery destination information is entered into the first control panel 4 (YES in S5: operation input acceptance step), the first control panel 4 transmits second deposit information, which includes the identification information of the first control panel 4 that received the second deposit start operation and the entered delivery destination information of the delivery item, to the delivery box control device 1 (S6).

[0163] After S3 or S6, that is, after transmitting the first or second deposit information to the delivery box control device 1, the first operation panel 4 may display a comment on the display unit 43 prompting the delivery person to wait (not shown). For example, the display unit 43 may display a comment such as "Please wait a moment." After that, the first operation panel 4 waits for processing until it receives comment information from the delivery box control device 1 (until it becomes YES in S7).

[0164] As shown in Figure 12, the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 determines whether or not it has received the first deposit information from the first operation panel 4 (S11).

[0165] If the first deposit information is received (YES in S11), the acquisition unit 111 stores the received first deposit information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the first deposit information has been acquired to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0166] When the delivery box control unit 113 obtains the information, it identifies the number of available storage compartments 31 in each of the multiple delivery boxes 3. The delivery box control unit 113 then selects the delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage compartments 31 as the first box (S12). If the number of available storage compartments 31 in the first box is less than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used based on the first deposit information, the delivery box control unit 113 repeats the process in S12, excluding the delivery box 3 selected as the first box. If the total number of available storage compartments 31 in the first box is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used based on the first deposit information, the process proceeds to S16.

[0167] If the answer in S11 is NO, the acquisition unit 111 determines whether or not the second deposit information has been received (S13). If the second deposit information has not been received (NO in S13), the process returns to S11.

[0168] When the acquisition unit 111 receives the second deposit information (YES in S13), it stores the received second deposit information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the second deposit information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0169] When the delivery box control unit 113 acquires the information, it determines whether there is storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information (S14). If there is storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information (YES in S14), the delivery box control unit 113 acquires the identification information of the storage unit 31 associated with the registered delivery address information that matches the received delivery address information. The delivery box control unit 113 selects the storage unit 31 identified by the acquired identification information as the first box (S15).

[0170] If there is no storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information (NO in S14), the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the storage information DB 121 and identifies the number of available storage spaces 31 for each of the multiple delivery boxes 3. Then, the delivery box control unit 113 selects the delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage spaces 31 as the first box (S12).

[0171] After S12 or S15, that is, after selecting the first box, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the control panel DB 122 and identifies the floor where the first control panel 4 that received the deposit operation is located, i.e., the operating floor (S16). Subsequently, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected first box to the operating floor (S17: delivery box control step).

[0172] Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 sends a signal to the unit control device 2 that controls the selected first box, instructing it to move the delivery box 3 to the operating floor. The unit control device 2 that controls the first box moves the first box to the operating floor. The delivery box control device 1 waits for processing until the first box arrives at the operating floor (until it becomes YES in S18).

[0173] When the first box arrives at the operating floor (YES in S18), the unit control device 2 transmits a signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating the arrival of the first box. Upon receiving this signal, the delivery box control unit 113 opens the door 5 on the operating floor (S19). In addition, the control unit 21 of the unit control device 2 unlocks one of the empty storage compartments 31 of the delivery boxes 3. This allows the delivery person to deposit their delivery into the delivery box 3.

[0174] Next, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the comment DB 123 and determines the comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4. When determining the comment when the first box arrives at the operation floor, the delivery box control unit 113 determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 that prompts the delivery person to deposit the package, specifically a comment such as "You can deposit your package." The delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4 that received the deposit operation (S20).

[0175] Returning to Figure 11, when the first control panel 4 receives comment information from the delivery box control device 1 (YES in S7), it displays the comment included in the comment information on the display unit 43 (S8). Here, the comment information includes comments that encourage the deposit of the delivery item, such as "You can deposit your package." Therefore, the delivery person can understand that they can deposit their package in the delivery box 3 by checking the comment displayed on the display unit 43.

[0176] Next, using Figure 13, the process that takes place after the delivery person deposits the delivery item will be explained. After depositing the delivery item, the delivery person performs a locking operation on the second control panel 32. For example, the delivery person performs the operation of entering the delivery destination of the delivery item into the input section 33 of the second control panel 32 shown in Figure 6, and pressing the button labeled "Lock / Unlock". When the control unit 21 receives information from the second control panel 32 indicating that a locking operation has been received (S21), it locks the storage compartment 31 corresponding to the second control panel 32 that received the locking operation (S22). The control unit 21 also stores the delivery destination information of the delivery item in the storage compartment information DB 221, associating it with the identification information of the storage compartment 31 that was locked based on the locking operation.

[0177] When the control unit 21 locks the storage compartment 31, it transmits a lock signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating that the storage compartment 31 has been locked (S23). Along with the lock signal, the control unit 21 also transmits to the delivery box control device 1 identification information of the locked storage compartment 31, i.e., the storage compartment 31 into which the delivery item has been deposited, and the delivery destination information of the deposited delivery item.

[0178] The storage information management unit 112 of the delivery box control device 1 waits for processing until it receives a lock signal (until it becomes YES in S31). When the storage information management unit 112 receives a lock signal (YES in S31), it identifies the storage box 31 into which the delivery item has been deposited based on the identification information of the storage box 31 received along with the lock signal. The storage information management unit 112 registers the received delivery destination information in the storage box information DB 121 in association with the identification information of the identified storage box 31 (S32), and updates the storage box information DB 121. The storage information management unit 112 outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the storage box information DB 121 has been updated.

[0179] When the delivery box control unit 113 obtains information from the storage information management unit 112 indicating that the storage information DB 121 has been updated, it determines whether all the deliveries that the delivery person intended to deposit have been deposited (S33). If all deliveries have been deposited (YES in S33), the delivery box control unit 113 terminates processing. After depositing the deliveries, the delivery person creates a delivery notice or similar document stating that the deliveries have been deposited and the number of the storage box 31 where the deliveries were deposited, and places it in the mailbox or similar location of each delivery destination. The recipient can confirm that their deliveries have been deposited by checking the delivery notice.

[0180] If not all deliveries have been deposited (NO in S33), that is, if there are still deliveries that the delivery person plans to deposit, the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3 (S34).

[0181] If there are no empty storage compartments 31 remaining in the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, and no new delivery items can be deposited in that delivery box 3, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that the delivery box 3 needs to be moved. If the delivery box control unit 113 determines that the delivery box 3 needs to be moved (YES in S34), the process returns to S17. Here, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the delivery box 3 that has not yet been moved to the operation floor from the first box selected to be moved to the operation floor. This allows the delivery person to deposit the next delivery item into the first box that has just arrived on the operation floor.

[0182] On the other hand, if there is an empty storage compartment 31 in the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor and a new delivery can be deposited in the delivery box 3, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3. If the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3 (NO in S34), it returns to the process in S20 and sends comment information, including a comment prompting the deposit of a delivery, to the unit control device 2. As a result, the unit control device 2 displays the comment on the second operation panel 32, and the delivery person can understand that the next delivery can be deposited in the first box located on the operating floor.

[0183] (Processing upon receipt of delivered items) Next, using Figures 14 and 15, we will explain the processing flow performed by the delivery box system 100 when a delivery is received.

[0184] When receiving a delivery, the recipient performs a receipt operation on the operation input unit 41 of the first control panel 4. As shown in Figure 14, the first control panel 4 determines whether or not the receipt operation has been received by the operation input unit 41 (S41).

[0185] When the operation input unit 41 receives a receipt operation (YES in S41: operation input reception step), the control unit 42 displays a screen on the display unit 43 prompting the recipient to enter recipient information. As a result, the recipient enters the recipient information into the operation input unit 41 after performing the receipt operation. The first operation panel 4 waits for processing until the recipient information is entered (until YES in S42).

[0186] When recipient information is entered into the operation input unit 41 (YES in S42: operation input acceptance step), the control unit 42 transmits receipt information to the delivery box control device 1, which includes the identification information of the first operation panel 4 that received the receipt operation and the entered recipient information (S43). After transmitting the receipt information to the delivery box control device 1, the control unit 42 causes the display unit 43 to display a comment prompting the delivery person to wait. For example, the display unit 43 displays a comment such as "Please wait a moment." After that, the first operation panel 4 waits for processing until it receives comment information from the delivery box control device 1 (until YES in S44).

[0187] When the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 receives delivery information from the first operation panel 4 (YES in S51), it stores the delivery information in the temporary storage area of ​​the storage unit 12 and outputs information indicating that the delivery information has been received to the delivery box control unit 113.

[0188] When the delivery box control unit 113 obtains the information, it determines whether or not there is storage information that matches the registered delivery destination information and the newly received delivery destination information (S52).

[0189] If there is no storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information (NO in S52), that is, if no delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited, the delivery box control unit 113 determines a comment to display on the first operation panel 4. For example, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a comment from the comments stored in the comment DB 123 that indicates no delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited, and transmits the comment information including this comment to the first operation panel 4 that received the delivery operation (S58).

[0190] When the first control panel 4 receives comment information (YES in S44), it displays the comment contained in the received comment information on the display unit 43 (S45). For example, the first control panel 4 displays a comment on the display unit 43 indicating that no package addressed to the recipient has been deposited, such as "No packages are being held for you."

[0191] On the other hand, if there is storage information that matches the registered delivery address information and the newly received delivery address information (YES in S52), that is, if a delivery addressed to the recipient is stored there, the delivery box control unit 113 selects a second box (S53). Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the storage information DB 121 and identifies a storage box 31 that corresponds to the registered delivery address information that matches the delivery address identified based on the recipient information. Then, the delivery box control unit 113 selects all delivery boxes 3 that have the identified storage boxes 31 as second boxes.

[0192] After selecting the second box, the delivery box control unit 113 identifies the floor where the first control panel 4 that received the deposit operation is located, i.e., the operation floor (S54). Then, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected second box to the operation floor (S55: delivery box control step).

[0193] Specifically, the delivery box control unit 113 sends a signal to the unit control device 2 that controls the selected second box, instructing it to move the delivery box 3 to the operating floor. The unit control device 2 that controls the second box moves the second box to the operating floor. The delivery box control device 1 waits for processing until the second box arrives at the operating floor (until it becomes YES in S56).

[0194] When the second box arrives at the operating floor (YES in S56), the unit control device 2 transmits a signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating the arrival of the second box. Upon receiving this signal, the delivery box control unit 113 opens the door 5 on the operating floor (S57). This allows the recipient to unlock the delivery box 3.

[0195] Next, the delivery box control unit 113 refers to the comment DB 123 and determines the comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 of the first operation panel 4. When determining the comment when the second box arrives at the operation floor, the delivery box control unit 113 determines a comment to be displayed on the display unit 43 that prompts the recipient to accept the delivery, specifically a comment such as "Please take the package out of the box." The delivery box control unit 113 transmits the comment information, including information indicating the determined comment, to the first operation panel 4 that received the deposit operation (S58).

[0196] When the first control panel 4 receives comment information from the delivery box control device 1 (YES in S44), it displays the comment included in the comment information on the display unit 43 (S45). Here, the comment information includes a comment prompting the recipient to accept the delivery. Therefore, the recipient can understand that they can accept the delivery from the delivery box 3 by checking the comment displayed on the display unit 43.

[0197] After S45, the recipient performs an unlocking operation on the second control panel 32 located in the storage room 31 where their delivery is being held. Specifically, the operation input section 41 of the second control panel 32 accepts the input of authentication information corresponding to the recipient's room number and the pressing of a button labeled "Lock / Unlock" as part of the unlocking operation. The recipient will determine which storage room 31 their delivery is in by, for example, checking a delivery notice left by the delivery person.

[0198] When the control unit 21 of the unit control device 2 receives information from the second operation panel 32 indicating that an unlocking operation has been accepted (YES in S61), it authenticates the recipient.

[0199] Specifically, the control unit 21 refers to the storage information DB 221 and identifies the delivery destination information corresponding to the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the second operation panel 32 that received the unlocking operation (S62). Next, the control unit 21 refers to the password DB 222 and identifies the registered authentication information associated with the identification information of the storage unit 31 corresponding to the second operation panel 32 that received the unlocking operation (S63). Then, the control unit 21 determines whether the authentication information entered in the unlocking operation matches the identified registered authentication information (S64).

[0200] If the entered authentication information does not match the registered authentication information (NO in S64), that is, if incorrect authentication information is entered, the control unit 21 displays a comment on the display unit 34 of the second operation panel 32 indicating that the entered authentication information is incorrect (S65). On the other hand, if the entered authentication information matches the registered authentication information (YES in S64), the control unit 21 unlocks the storage unit 31 corresponding to the second operation panel 32 that received the unlocking operation (S66). This allows the recipient to receive the delivery from the storage unit 31. When the storage unit 31 is unlocked, the control unit 21 also sends an unlocking signal to the delivery box control device 1 indicating that the storage unit 31 has been unlocked (S67). Along with the unlocking signal, the control unit 21 also sends the identification information of the unlocked storage unit 31, i.e., the storage unit 31 where the delivery will be received, and the delivery destination information of the received delivery to the delivery box control device 1.

[0201] When the storage information management unit 112 receives an unlocking signal from the unit control device 2 (YES in S71), it deletes the delivery destination information associated with the identification information of the storage unit 31 where the delivered item was received by the recipient (S72), and updates the storage information DB 121. Furthermore, once the storage information management unit 112 has finished updating the storage information DB 121, it outputs information to the delivery box control unit 113 indicating that the storage information DB 121 has been updated.

[0202] When the delivery box control unit 113 obtains this information, it determines whether all the deliveries that the recipient was scheduled to receive have been received (S73). If all the deliveries that the recipient was scheduled to receive have been received (YES in S73), the delivery box control unit 113 terminates processing.

[0203] If there are still undelivered packages among those that the recipient is scheduled to receive (NO in S73), the delivery box control unit 113 determines whether or not it is necessary to move the delivery box 3 (S74).

[0204] On the other hand, if there are no packages addressed to the recipient in any of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor, the recipient cannot receive the next package from that delivery box 3. Therefore, the delivery box system 100 needs to allow the recipient to use delivery box 3 as the next second box. Accordingly, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is necessary to move delivery box 3 if there are no packages addressed to the recipient in any of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operating floor (YES in S74).

[0205] If it is determined that delivery box 3 needs to be moved, comment information including a comment indicating that the delivery addressed to the recipient has been deposited in a different delivery box 3 than the one located on the operating floor is sent to the first control panel 4. This allows the recipient to understand that they still have a delivery addressed to them and that the delivery has been deposited in a different delivery box 3.

[0206] The process then returns to S55. In S55, the delivery box control unit 113 moves the selected second delivery box 3 that has not yet been moved to the operating floor to the operating floor. When the new second delivery box arrives at the operating floor, the delivery box control unit 113 transmits comment information, including a comment prompting the recipient to accept the delivery, to the first control panel 4. This allows the recipient to understand that they can receive their next delivery from the newly arrived delivery box 3, perform the authentication operation, and receive the delivery.

[0207] On the other hand, if a delivery addressed to the recipient remains in one of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the delivery person can receive the next delivery from the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor. Therefore, if a delivery addressed to the recipient remains in one of the storage compartments 31 of the delivery box 3 located on the operation floor, the delivery box control unit 113 determines that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3 (NO in S74). If it is determined that it is not necessary to move the delivery box 3, the process returns to S58. In S58, the delivery box control unit 113 sends comment information to the first operation panel 4, which includes a comment indicating that it is possible to receive a delivery from the second box located on the operation floor. Here, the delivery box control unit 113 displays a comment on the first operation panel 4 indicating that the delivery addressed to the recipient is stored in a different storage compartment 31 of the second box located on the operation floor than the storage compartment 31 from which the recipient received their delivery. This allows the delivery person to recognize that another delivery has been deposited in a different storage unit 31 at the delivery box 3 located on the current operating floor, and to perform an authentication operation to retrieve the delivery.

[0208] As described above, the delivery box system 100 can allow a recipient to receive all deliveries addressed to them from the delivery box 3, delete the delivery address information of the received deliveries, and update the storage information.

[0209] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0210] The delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2 performs the first deposit and receipt processes, but does not perform the second deposit process. Therefore, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2, the first control panel 4 does not have a button (reference numeral 411) for performing the second deposit operation.

[0211] Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 16, first, the first control panel 4 determines whether or not it has received the first deposit start operation (S81). Here, if the first control panel 4 has not received the first deposit start operation (NO in S81), it does not determine whether or not it has received the second deposit start operation and returns to the process of S81. If the first control panel 4 has received the first deposit start operation (YES in S81), the first control panel 4 performs the same processing as the processes of S2-S3 and S7-S8 in Figure 11.

[0212] Furthermore, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2, if the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 has not received the first deposit information (NO in S91), it does not determine whether or not it has received the second deposit information, and repeats the process in S91 until it receives the first deposit information. If the acquisition unit 111 has received the first deposit information (YES in S91), the delivery box control device 1 performs the same processing as in S12 and S16-S20 in Figure 12. As a result, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2, when a delivery person deposits a delivery item, only the first deposit process is performed.

[0213] Furthermore, after the first box arrives at the operating floor and a comment is displayed on the first control panel 4, the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2 waits for a lock operation to be received. When a lock operation is performed on the delivery box 3, the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2 performs the following processes: locking the storage compartment 31, registering the delivery destination information, determining whether all deliveries have been deposited, and determining whether the delivery box 3 needs to be moved. These processes are the same as those described using Figure 13 in Embodiment 1. In addition, if the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2 receives a receipt operation, it performs a receipt process. This receipt process is the same as those described using Figures 14 to 15 in Embodiment 1.

[0214] According to the above configuration, deliveries are deposited based on the first deposit process. Therefore, when a delivery person deposits multiple deliveries, the possibility of having to deposit each delivery into a different delivery box 3 can be reduced. As a result, delivery people can deposit deliveries into fewer delivery boxes 3, thereby improving the convenience of the delivery boxes 3 for delivery people.

[0215] [Embodiment 3] The delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3 performs a second deposit process and a retrieval process, but does not perform a first deposit process. Therefore, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 2, the first control panel 4 does not have a button (reference numeral 412) for performing the first deposit operation.

[0216] Figure 17 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 17, first, the first control panel 4 does not determine whether or not it has received the first deposit start operation, but determines whether or not it has received the second deposit start operation (S101). Here, if the first control panel 4 has not received the second deposit start operation (NO in S101), it returns to the process in S101. If the first control panel 4 has received the second deposit start operation (YES in S101), the first control panel 4 performs the same processing as in S4-S5 and S7-S8 in Figure 11.

[0217] Furthermore, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3, the acquisition unit 111 of the delivery box control device 1 does not determine whether or not it has received the first deposit information, but rather determines whether or not it has received the second deposit information (S111), and repeats the process of S111 until it receives the second deposit information. If the acquisition unit 111 has received the second deposit information (YES in S111), the delivery box control device 1 performs the same processing as in S12, S14 to S20 in Figure 12. As a result, in the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3, when a delivery person deposits a delivery item, only the second deposit process is performed.

[0218] Furthermore, after the first box arrives at the operating floor and a comment is displayed on the first control panel 4, the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3 waits for a lock operation to be received. When a lock operation is performed on the delivery box 3, the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3 performs the following processes: locking the storage compartment 31, registering the delivery destination information, determining whether all deliveries have been deposited, and determining whether the delivery box 3 needs to be moved. These processes are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 using Figure 13. In addition, if the delivery box system 100 according to Embodiment 3 receives a receipt operation, it performs a receipt process. This receipt process is the same as those described in Embodiment 1 using Figures 14 to 15.

[0219] According to the above configuration, deliveries are deposited based on the second deposit process. Therefore, if a new delivery is to the same destination as a delivery that has already been deposited, the likelihood of these deliveries being deposited in the same delivery box 3 increases. As a result, recipients can receive multiple deliveries from the same delivery box 3, thus improving the convenience of the delivery box 3 for recipients.

[0220] [Variation] (Variation 1) In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, when the delivery box control unit 113 receives first deposit information, it selects delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage compartments 31 as the first box. Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 3 described above, when the delivery box control unit 113 receives second deposit information and there is no storage compartment information that matches the registered delivery destination information and the newly received delivery destination information, it selects delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage compartments 31 as the first box.

[0221] However, in the above case, the delivery box control unit 113 may select a delivery box 3 other than the delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage compartments 31 as the first box.

[0222] For example, the delivery box control unit 113 may select as the first box a delivery box 3 that has one or more empty storage compartments 31 and has the shortest travel time to the operating floor. If the number of empty storage compartments 31 of the said delivery box 3 is less than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used, the delivery box control unit 113 may further select as the first box a delivery box 3 adjacent to the said delivery box 3. The delivery box control unit 113 may repeat the same process until the number of empty storage compartments 31 is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used.

[0223] Alternatively, the delivery box control unit 113 may select the delivery box 3 with the shortest travel time to the operating floor as the first box if the number of available storage compartments 31 in that delivery box 3 is equal to or greater than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used. If the number of available storage compartments 31 in the delivery box 3 is less than the number of storage compartments 31 to be used, the delivery box 3 with the largest number of available storage compartments 31 may be selected as the first box.

[0224] According to the above configuration, the travel time of the delivery box 3, which is selected as the first box, can be reduced, thereby improving the convenience of the delivery box 3 for delivery personnel.

[0225] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 3, the floor level of the building may be associated with the identification information of the delivery box 3, and the delivery box control unit 113 may select the first box based on this association. For example, information indicating the second floor of the building may be associated with the identification information of one delivery box 3. In this case, if a delivery is to be delivered to any room on the second floor of the building, the delivery box control unit 113 may preferentially select the delivery box 3 identified by the identification information corresponding to the second floor as the first box.

[0226] This configuration increases the likelihood that packages addressed to recipients residing on the same floor will be placed in the same delivery box 3. Therefore, if these recipients retrieve their packages consecutively, the time required for the second recipient to wait for their package to move from delivery box 3 can be reduced.

[0227] (Modification 2) In the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the recipient was aware that the delivery item had been deposited and that the storage unit 31 to which the delivery item had been deposited was by checking the absence notice left by the delivery person, but this is not limited to this. The delivery box system 100 may notify the recipient that the delivery item has been deposited by other means. For example, in the delivery box system 100, the unit control device 2 may be equipped with a notification unit that outputs a deposit notification to the recipient who will receive the delivery item, when the delivery item has been deposited. In addition, the delivery box control device 1 may have the contact information of the recipient corresponding to the delivery destination stored in advance. The recipient's contact information may be, for example, the email address of a terminal device such as a smartphone owned by the recipient.

[0228] When a delivery is deposited, the notification unit identifies the recipient's contact information based on the delivery address of the delivery. The notification unit may also send a deposit notification to the identified contact, which includes information indicating that the delivery has been deposited and the box number of the storage facility 31 where the delivery was deposited.

[0229] This allows recipients to immediately know that their package has been delivered. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for delivery personnel to create delivery notices.

[0230] Furthermore, if a predetermined period (e.g., 24 hours) has elapsed since the notification unit outputted the deposit notification and the item has been deposited in the storage facility 31, the notification unit may output another deposit notification.

[0231] (Variation 3) In embodiments 1 and 3 described above, when a delivery person performs a second deposit operation to deposit a delivery item, the process ends once the deposit of one delivery item is completed. Therefore, when depositing multiple delivery items using the second deposit operation, the delivery person had to perform the second deposit operation again after depositing one delivery item. In embodiments 1 and 3 described above, the operation input unit 41 may accept an operation to input multiple delivery destination information as the second deposit operation. In this case, the delivery box control unit 113 may determine whether each of the input multiple delivery destination information matches the registered delivery destination information. Alternatively, the delivery box control unit 113 may select all delivery boxes 3 identified based on the registered delivery destination information that matches the input multiple delivery destination information as the first box.

[0232] According to the above configuration, when a delivery person enters the delivery address information for multiple packages, the first box containing the deposited packages with the same delivery address as each package is transported sequentially. The delivery person then places each package into the transported first box. As a result, each recipient of multiple packages can receive all of their packages together from the same first box if they have multiple packages to receive.

[0233] (Modification 4) In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, authentication information for authenticating the recipient was pre-set, but this is not limited to this. For example, the authentication information may be set each time a delivery is deposited. In this case, the unit control device 2 does not store the password DB222. For example, the delivery person may determine the authentication information corresponding to the delivery, input the determined authentication information into the second operation panel 32, and the second operation panel 32 may output the input authentication information to the unit control device 2.

[0234] Alternatively, the unit control device 2 may include a setting unit for setting authentication information, and the setting unit may determine the authentication information when a delivery item is deposited. Figure 18 shows an example of the storage information DB221A according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 18, when the unit control device 2 acquires authentication information or sets authentication information in the setting unit, it stores the authentication information in the storage information DB221A in association with the delivery destination information of the deposited delivery item. The setting unit may set the same authentication information for delivery items with the same delivery destination. The storage unit 12 of the delivery box control device 1 may also store a storage information DB121A, which is a database similar to the storage information DB221A.

[0235] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the unit control device 2 may also include the notification unit described in Modification 2, and the notification unit may notify the recipient of authentication information in addition to the deposit notification. For example, the notification unit notifies the delivery person of the authentication information by displaying it on the display unit 34 of the second operation panel 32. The delivery person then writes the notified authentication information on the absence slip, allowing the recipient to know that their package has been deposited and to understand the authentication information corresponding to that package.

[0236] Alternatively, the notification unit may send authentication information along with a notification indicating that the package has been deposited to the recipient's contact information, which has been pre-assigned to each delivery address, such as the email address of the terminal device held by the recipient.

[0237] The control unit 21 of the unit control device 2 refers to the storage information DB221A and performs authentication based on the authentication information associated with the delivery destination information of the delivered item identified based on the recipient information, and the authentication information entered by the recipient.

[0238] (Variation 5) In the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the operation input section 41 of the first operation panel 4 was capable of receiving a first deposit operation, a second deposit operation, and a withdrawal operation, but is not limited to this. For example, a first operation panel 4A having a first operation input section 41A that accepts the first deposit operation and the second deposit operation, and a first operation panel 4B having a second operation input section 41B that accepts the withdrawal operation may be provided separately.

[0239] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the installation of the first control panel 4 in the delivery box system 100 according to Modification 5. As shown in Figure 19, the first control panel 4A having a first operation input section 41A may be installed at a first location in the building, and the first control panel 4B having a second operation input section 41B may be installed at a second location different from the first location.

[0240] Specifically, a first control panel 4A capable of receiving first and second deposit operations may be installed on the outside of the building, and a first control panel 4B capable of receiving retrieval operations may be installed on the inside of the building. With this configuration, the delivery person can deposit the delivery without entering the inside of the building. In addition, since the first control panel 4B operated by the recipient is installed on the inside of the building, the possibility of operation by an outsider is reduced. In this way, by providing the first control panel 4A capable of receiving first and second deposit operations and the first control panel 4B capable of receiving retrieval operations as separate first control panels 4, the security of the delivery box system 100 can be improved.

[0241] (Experimental variation 6) In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the first control panel 4 was configured to be installed on each floor of the building, but the first control panel 4 may be configured to be installed on only one floor, for example, the first floor. With this configuration, it becomes unnecessary to provide entrances P1 (or PX) on floors other than the first floor. Furthermore, with this configuration, the delivery box control unit 113 does not need to specify the operating floor, thus simplifying the process.

[0242] (Example 7) In the embodiments 1 to 3 described above, during the receiving process, the first control panel 4 received recipient information from the recipient, and then the delivery box control unit 113 moved the second box selected based on the recipient information to the operating floor. Subsequently, the second control panel 32 received authentication information from the recipient, and the unit control device 2 authenticated the recipient.

[0243] However, in the receiving process, after the first control panel 4 receives the recipient's information, it may also accept authentication information before moving the second box to the operating floor. Furthermore, if the unit control device 2 successfully authenticates the recipient based on the entered authentication information, the delivery box control unit 113 may move the second box to the operating floor. In this case, when the second box arrives at the operating floor, the unit control device 2 may unlock the storage compartment 31 where the delivery addressed to the recipient is stored.

[0244] According to this configuration, the recipient can input recipient information and authentication information into the first control panel 4 consecutively, thereby improving the convenience of the delivery box 3.

[0245] (Variation 8) In embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the recipient knew the box number of the storage unit 31 where the delivery was deposited by checking the absence notice created by the delivery person, but this is not limited to this. For example, each storage unit 31 of the delivery box 3 may be provided with a lamp that can be illuminated based on instructions from the unit control device 2. The unit control device 2 may also illuminate or flash the lamp provided in the storage unit 31 where the delivery addressed to the recipient is deposited after the second box arrives at the operating floor.

[0246] With this configuration, the delivery person no longer needs to write the box number of the storage facility 31 where the package was left on the delivery notice. In addition, the recipient can find out which storage facility 31 their package is in without having to check the delivery notice.

[0247] (Extreme variation 9) The embodiments 1 to 3 described above describe a configuration in which one first control panel 4 is operated by one user, but the system is not limited to this. For example, each of the multiple first control panels 4 may be operated simultaneously by different users. "Operated simultaneously" means that at least a portion of the time between one user performing a deposit or receipt operation and another user completing the deposit or receipt of all deliveries overlaps.

[0248] If multiple first control panels 4 are operated simultaneously, the delivery box control device 1 performs the deposit or retrieval process in the order in which the operations were performed. For example, if two different first control panels 4 are operated by two different users, the delivery box control device 1 first performs the deposit or retrieval process based on the information received from the first control panel 4 that was operated first. After the deposit or retrieval process is completed, the delivery box control device 1 then performs the deposit or retrieval process based on the information received from the next first control panel 4 that is operated.

[0249] Furthermore, while processing an operation received by one of the first control panels 4, the delivery box control device 1 may display a comment on the display unit 43 of the other first control panel 4 indicating that a deposit or retrieval process is underway. For example, the delivery box control device 1 may display a comment such as "In / Out Processing" on the display unit 43. Also, while a deposit process is underway, the delivery box control device 1 may display a comment such as "Depositing Package" on the display unit 43, or while a retrieval process is underway, a comment such as "Retrieving Package" on the display unit 43. This allows users to understand that a first control panel 4 other than the one near them is being operated and that they need to wait their turn to perform their own task. Therefore, users can decide whether or not to use the delivery box system 100 before operating a first control panel 4, thus reducing wasted time.

[0250] As described above, the delivery box system 100 according to the present invention allows for the installation of multiple delivery boxes 3 that can move within an elevator shaft Q spanning multiple floors of a building. This enables the delivery box system 100 to install multiple delivery boxes 3 by utilizing the space within the elevator shaft Q. By installing multiple delivery boxes 3 in this way, the occurrence of situations where there are no available delivery boxes 3 and the delivery person cannot deposit their package can be reduced. This reduces the likelihood of needing to redeliver packages, reduces the energy consumed during redelivery, and reduces emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Such effects contribute, for example, to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy," advocated by the United Nations.

[0251] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the delivery box system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "the system") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the system, and which causes a computer to function as each control block of the system (in particular, each part included in the control units 11, 21, and 42).

[0252] In this case, the system includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the program. By executing the program using this control device and storage device, the functions described in each of the embodiments are realized.

[0253] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, not temporary ones. These recording media may or may not be provided by the system. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0254] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits functioning as each of the above control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of each of the above control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0255] Furthermore, each process described in the above embodiments may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the control device described above, or it may operate on other devices (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0256] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0257] 〔summary〕 A delivery box system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a plurality of delivery boxes having one or more storage compartments capable of receiving deliveries, and being movable within an elevator shaft spanning multiple floors of a building; a delivery box control unit that controls each of the plurality of delivery boxes; and one or more operation input units that receive input for a receiving operation to receive the deliveries from the storage compartments. When the operation input unit receives the receiving operation, the delivery box control unit moves one of the plurality of delivery boxes to the floor on which the operation input unit received the receiving operation.

[0258] A delivery box system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1 above, the operation input unit is capable of receiving a deposit operation for depositing the delivery item into the storage unit, and the system further comprises a storage unit information management unit that updates storage unit information indicating the usage status of each of the storage units of the plurality of delivery boxes based on the deposit operation and the receiving operation input to the operation input unit, the deposit operation includes an operation to input one or more delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of each of the delivery items, the storage unit information includes registered delivery destination information which is the delivery destination information of each of the delivery items deposited in the storage unit, and identification information unique to each of the storage units in which the delivery items are deposited, and the delivery box control unit may, when the operation input unit receives the deposit operation, select a first box from the plurality of delivery boxes to be used as the deposit destination for the delivery item based on a determination result of determining whether the registered delivery destination information matching the delivery destination information of the delivery item is included in the storage unit information, and move the first box to the floor on which the operation input unit received the deposit operation.

[0259] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 3 of the present invention, in embodiment 2, if the registered delivery destination information that matches the delivery destination information is included in the storage information, the delivery box control unit may select as the first box the delivery box having the storage information identified by the identification information associated with the registered delivery destination information.

[0260] In the delivery box system according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in aspect 2 or 3 above, if the registered delivery destination information that matches the delivery destination information is not included in the storage information, the delivery box control unit may select as the first box a delivery box having at least one empty storage unit in which no delivery items have been deposited.

[0261] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 2 to 4 above, if there are multiple delivery boxes having empty storage compartments, the delivery box control unit may select the delivery box with the largest number of empty storage compartments as the first box.

[0262] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 2 to 5 above, when the delivery box control unit receives a deposit operation which includes an operation in which the operation input unit inputs a plurality of delivery destination information, it may determine whether each of the input plurality of delivery destination information matches the registered delivery destination information, and select all of the delivery boxes identified based on the registered delivery destination information that matches the input plurality of delivery destination information as the first box.

[0263] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 2 to 6 above, when the operation input unit receives the receipt operation, the delivery box control unit may, based on the storage information, select a second box from the plurality of delivery boxes, which is one or more delivery boxes having at least one storage compartment in which the delivery item to be received by the recipient who performed the receipt operation is stored, and move the second box to the floor on which the operation input unit received the receipt operation.

[0264] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 8 of the present invention, if there are multiple second boxes in embodiment 7, the delivery box control unit may move all of the second boxes to the floor on which the operation input unit received the delivery operation.

[0265] The delivery box system according to embodiment 9 of the present invention comprises a plurality of operation input units in any of embodiments 1 to 8, and the plurality of operation input units may be provided on each of the plurality of floors.

[0266] A delivery box system according to embodiment 10 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 2 to 9 above, the operation input unit is provided at a first location in the building and is a first operation input unit that receives the deposit operation, and is provided at a second location different from the first location in the building and is a second operation input unit that receives the receipt operation for receiving the delivered item from the storage unit, It may be provided.

[0267] A delivery box system according to embodiment 11 of the present invention may include, in any of embodiments 1 to 10 above, a notification unit that outputs a deposit notification when the delivery item is deposited, notifying the recipient who will receive the delivery item that the delivery item has been deposited.

[0268] A delivery box system according to embodiment 12 of the present invention further comprises a setting unit that sets authentication information, which is information for authenticating the recipient, when the delivery item is deposited in the box, and the notification unit may output the authentication information in addition to the deposit notification.

[0269] In the delivery box system according to embodiment 13 of the present invention, in embodiment 11 or 12, if a predetermined period of time has elapsed after outputting the deposit notification and the delivery item has been deposited in the storage box, the notification unit may output the deposit notification again.

[0270] A control method for a delivery box system according to aspect 14 of the present invention is a control method for a delivery box system executed by one or more computers, comprising: a delivery box control step that controls each of a plurality of delivery boxes having one or more storage compartments capable of depositing delivery items and movable within an elevator shaft spanning multiple floors of a building; and one or more operation input reception steps that receive input for a receiving operation to receive the delivery items from the storage compartment, wherein in the delivery box control step, if the receiving operation is received in the operation input reception step, one of the plurality of delivery boxes is moved to the floor on which the receiving operation was received in the operation input reception step.

Description of Symbols

[0271] 1 Delivery box control device 3 Delivery box 31 Storage 41 Operation input unit 41A First operation input unit 41B Second operation input unit 100 Delivery box system 113 Delivery box control unit S1, S2, S4, S5, S41 Operation input reception steps S17, S55 Delivery box control steps

Claims

1. It has one or more storage compartments where deliveries can be deposited, and multiple delivery boxes that can move within elevator shafts spanning multiple floors of the building, A delivery box control unit that controls each of the aforementioned plurality of delivery boxes, One or more operation input units that receive input for receiving the delivery item from the storage facility, Equipped with, The aforementioned delivery box control unit is When the operation input unit receives the receipt operation, it moves one of the multiple delivery boxes to the floor on which the operation input unit received the receipt operation. The aforementioned operation input unit is capable of receiving a deposit operation for depositing the delivery items into the storage facility. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is When the operation input unit receives the deposit operation, it selects a first box from the multiple delivery boxes to be used as the deposit location for the delivery item. The operation input unit moves the first box to the floor where the deposit operation was received. Delivery box system.

2. The service further comprises a storage information management unit that updates storage information indicating the usage status of each of the storage units of the plurality of delivery boxes based on the deposit operation and the receipt operation input to the operation input unit, The deposit operation includes an operation to input one or more delivery destination information indicating the delivery destination of each of the delivered items, The storage facility information includes registered delivery destination information, which is the delivery destination information for each of the deliveries stored in the storage facility, and identification information unique to each of the storage facilities where the deliveries are stored. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is When the operation input unit receives the deposit operation, it determines whether the registered delivery destination information matching the delivery destination information of the delivered item is included in the storage information, and based on the determination result, it selects the first box from the plurality of delivery boxes. The delivery box system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is If the registered delivery destination information that matches the delivery destination information is included in the storage information, the delivery box having the storage box identified by the identification information associated with the registered delivery destination information is selected as the first box. The delivery box system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is If the registered delivery address information that matches the delivery address information is not included in the storage information, the delivery box having at least one empty storage box in which no delivery items are currently stored is selected as the first box. The delivery box system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is If there are multiple delivery boxes having empty storage compartments, the delivery box with the largest number of empty storage compartments is selected as the first box. The delivery box system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is When the operation input unit receives the deposit operation which includes an operation to input multiple delivery address information, it determines whether each of the input multiple delivery address information matches the registered delivery address information. All of the delivery boxes identified based on the registered delivery address information that matches the multiple delivery address information entered are selected as the first box. The delivery box system according to claim 2.

7. The aforementioned delivery box control unit is When the operation input unit receives the receipt operation, based on the storage information, it selects from the plurality of delivery boxes one or more of the delivery boxes that have at least one storage box containing the delivery item to be received by the recipient who performed the receipt operation, The second box is moved to the floor where the operation input unit received the receiving operation. The delivery box system according to claim 2.

8. If there are multiple second boxes, the delivery box control unit moves all of the second boxes to the floor on which the operation input unit received the delivery operation. The delivery box system according to claim 7.

9. The system includes multiple operation input units, The aforementioned plurality of operation input units are provided on each of the plurality of floors, The delivery box system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned operation input unit is A first operation input unit is provided at a first location in the building and accepts the deposit operation, A second operation input unit is provided at a second location different from the first location of the building, and receives a receiving operation for receiving the delivered goods from the storage facility, Equipped with, The delivery box system according to claim 2.

11. The system includes a notification unit that, when the aforementioned delivery is deposited, outputs a deposit notification to inform the recipient of the delivery that the delivery has been deposited. The delivery box system according to claim 1.

12. When the aforementioned delivery item is deposited, the system further includes a setting unit for setting authentication information, which is information for authenticating the recipient. The aforementioned notification unit, In addition to the deposit notification, the authentication information is output. The delivery box system according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned notification unit, If, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the aforementioned deposit notice was issued, the delivery item is in a state of being deposited in the storage facility, the aforementioned deposit notice will be issued again. The delivery box system according to claim 11.

14. A method for controlling a delivery box system, which is performed by one or more computers, A delivery box control step that controls each of multiple delivery boxes that have one or more storage compartments capable of receiving deliveries and are movable within elevator shafts spanning multiple floors of a building, One or more operation input receiving steps that receive input for a receiving operation to receive the delivered goods from the storage facility, Includes, In the aforementioned delivery box control step, If the receiving operation is received in the operation input reception step, one of the multiple delivery boxes is moved to the floor on which the receiving operation was received in the operation input reception step. In the operation input acceptance step, it is possible to accept a deposit operation for depositing the delivery item into the storage facility. In the aforementioned delivery box control step, If the deposit operation is accepted in the operation input acceptance step, the first box to be used as the deposit location for the delivery item is selected from the multiple delivery boxes. The first box is moved to the floor where the deposit operation was received in the operation input reception step. Control method for a delivery box system.

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